*Race Results 3 – Brass Monkey Half Marathon – York – 18/1/26*
PB’s galore at the Brass Monkey Half Marathon 2026!
For over 40 years the Brass Monkey Half Marathon has been a regular fixture of the January racing calendar. Following soon after the Christmas period of eating and drinking it’s a great way to burn off some of those festive pounds and kick off spring training. The race takes an out and back route on mainly closed roads from York racecourse. It has a reputation as a super fast and flat PB course and this year as ever it did not disappoint. The race is always fast and friendly with plenty of Marshalls from local organisers Knavesmire Harriers and 2 water stops. Before the start there are lots of toilets at the racecourse and a chance to grab a pre race coffee or post race snack.
The popularity of the race and the resulting sellout ballot entry has made it harder to obtain places but a good JJ’s turnout still made it to the start line in cold and wet conditions.
In steady rain the race headed south with runners splashing through huge puddles before looping back to the racecourse cheered by brave band of spectators.
Spirits were high as York Rail Brass Band played the athletes across the finish line. As you would expect from a city with a long heritage of chocolate making, runners were then rewarded with a well deserved Freddo and a Curly Wurley before heading inside the racecourse to collect dry clothing and warm up
It was PB’s galore as the JJ’s crossed the line. First to finish was Nicolas with a tremendous new PB of 1.17.53. Jonny in great form finishing in 1.23.56 was followed by Ben benefiting from his Ironman training in 1.25.24 and a “chunky” PB. The pairing of Rich and Hannah Bethany paced it well running most of the course together. Hannah was first first female JJ’s finisher and 50th female overall. Cliff and Yasmin were followed by Jane in another amazing PB of 1.36.57 – knocking nearly 5 minutes of her previous PB from 2011. Sam was the next JJ followed by Hannah. Charlotte nearly blew her own boiler with a great PB of 1.48.21. Amy was frustratingly only 4 seconds off another PB at 1.50.16. Michael nursing a niggly knee after a recent injury surprised himself with a good sub 2 hour time of 1.53.05.
Well done everyone that ran.